Brandon Twp.- Considering a run for a seat on the board of education? You may want to consider attending a roughly 90-minute session designed to help you make an informed decision.

“So You Want to Be a Board Member,” is set for 6:30 p.m., June 5, at central district office, 1025 S. Ortonville Road. Current Superintendent Lorrie McMahon as well as School Board President Greg Allar will be at the session to talk about the challenges and responsibilities of being on the Brandon Board of Education.

“We will talk about how things operate, how often we meet, the things that have to be done between meetings and go over laws that govern the operation of a school board,” said McMahon, who hopes to be joined at the session by incoming Superintendent Matt Outlaw. “We will talk about what they have to do to get on the ballot... There’s no commitment at this point, but if you are considering running for a seat, it might help you make a decision.”

The district held a similar session before the last school board election two years ago and McMahon notes that board member candidates who attended were appreciative of the information ahead of time, allowing them to know “what they were getting into.”

The next school board election will be this November, with three seats up for grabs that are currently held by Greg Allar, Diane Salter, and Debbie Brady. The 4-year terms will start Jan. 1, 2015 and end Dec. 31, 2019. Candidates must be at least 18 and residents of the Brandon School District.

“Being a school board member is a huge responsibility,” said McMahon. “They work with the superintendent for the welfare of all our children and it’s very important they understand there is a budget to handle, listening to parents, understanding the community— but most of all, understanding what is best for students.”